33 Meeting the God of Time and Space

"I know where Steve is." Zell told Kaitlyn. "Let's go home."

"Okay." Kaitlyn agreed and the two of them left into the woods once more. "How are you feeling?" She asked, worried that Zell could explode.

"I am fine." Zell said.

[Hey mortal.] Anna asked. [I have been up here watching your memories. Why do you always let others walk over you?]

[I just did not think it was worth making a big deal out of it.] Zell replied internally. [I knew I was different and didn't want to stand out.]

[Still, you let everyone treat you so badly.] Anna said. [You had the power to stop them, yet you did not act. You are the oddest mortal I have ever met.]

[What do you recommend?] Zell asked. [Do you want me to just bully my way around? Force others to my side through force? I always strived to help others in my past life, and my soul did the same in this life. I am not the type of person to abuse his power or force myself onto others.]

[There is a difference between forcing yourself on others and letting others take advantage of you.] Anna said. [How do you not know the difference? You need to look out for you, no one else is going to. You cannot put everyone else's problems on your plate and except to be fine, you need to take care of yourself first. That includes your attitude. You stood before a god and did not flinch, because you were defending a friend. You need to have that kind of drive when defending yourself. Otherwise, you will never find true happiness.]

[All this coming from a goddess so bored she decided to hitch a ride in a stranger's head?] Zell retorted.

[I have been around the block a time or two, mortal.] She replied. [I was just offering some advice since we are head mates now. That you need to have strength of will to talk to Steve.]

[I handled you, didn't I?] Zell said.

[Steve is a different matter.] Anna explained. [His powers over space and time make him unique. His level is far lower than yours, but he is still a threat. He could teleport you into the past or future. He could age you to dust or place you inside a blackhole in space. His power is what makes him dangerous. If you go to him meekly, he will destroy you for fun. You are the vessel of a god now; you need to command respect and have him treat you as an equal.]

[I understand.] Zell said. [Thank you for the warning.]

[I just don't want my ride cut short.] Anna said.

"Is that it?" Kaitlyn said, breaking the silence of their walk. She pointed to a small round hut with a straw roof. "Is that where Steve is?"

Zell used his senses once more and detected Steve inside. "Yes. He is in there." Zell replied. He walked over to the door and gave it a knock, being as gentle as he could. He did not want to remove the door from its hinges with his insane strength. "Hello? Steve are you in there?"

Nothing was heard in response. After a few moments, the door slowly opened revealing a pitch-black void.

[He is inviting you in.] Anna said.

"Let's go." Zell said and grabbed Kaitlyn's hand. He walked into the hut expecting to see a small room that matched the exterior. However, he found himself inside a large estate with white marble floors, large ornate rugs and massive columns that reached to the remarkably high ceiling. A large staircase was the center of the room, with gold plated railings. As they took everything in, a group of butlers and maids entered the room and lined up on either side of the rug in front of the staircase. In unison they all bowed and the door at the top of the stairs opened.

Out of the door walked a tall slender man with long black hair and golden eyes. His outfit was a tuxedo. He walked down the stairs slowly, making a show of his grand entrance. "How nice of you to visit dear sister." He said as he reached the bottom. "I see you found a mortal to ride, tell me is it as fun as you always hoped?"

[Tell him it's too early to tell.] Anna said.

"She says it's too early to tell." Zell responded.

"Oh, she chose the submissive role." Steve said in surprise. "You must be eager for new experiences sister. I told you building mortals up and then letting them fight to the death was entertaining. You don't see me hitching a ride in a filthy mortal."

"She didn't say anything." Zell said.

"Must have upset her then." Steve sighed. "Now what is it that you want, little mortal? Did you come to join my servants? Many mortals always want to join, the lore of eternal youth and an immortal life always gets the job applicants coming."

"No." Zell said. "I came here in search of a way back to my world. He got tricked into coming here."

"I knew I should have destroyed that gate." Steve sighed. "Why should I, a god, help you?"

"Entertainment." Zell said.

"Go on." Steve replied.

"Your mother set me to that world to stop its destruction." Zell said. "It seems that boredom is the leading factor in all of you gods' decisions. So, if your mother thought I would be entertaining, surely you see some value in that as well?"

"Interesting." Steve said. "So, the god of destruction has already claimed that world to die, and yet mother sent a hero to save it? I assume it already has a demon lord and everything?"

"Yes, I was on my way to meet with him." Zell said. "So, if you could help that would be great."

"That does sound entertaining." Steve said. "However, I sense your amazing strength. I doubt a demon lord could match you. That wouldn't be much of a fight at all."

"I need to stop him without killing him." Zell said. "The only way to save the planet from its fate is to achieve peace."

"Boring." Steve yawned. "Peace is such a boring goal. Remember I make mortals fight for fun. How about this? Instead you do something for me, and I will send you home."

"What do you need me to do?" Zell asked.

"Nothing much." Steve smiled. "I just need you to kill a god."